A popular beach in Sydney’s eastern suburbs will remain closed this summer amid mounting frustration from local families.
Nielsen Park’s Shark Beach, in Vaucluse, was shuttered early last year due to construction on a new sea wall under the former Coalition state government.
According to The Daily Telegraph, however, the installation is not yet complete – plagued by contract disputes and the discovery of large amounts of asbestos.
The beach is now set to reopen at the earliest next February, according to an update from the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS).
Vaucluse MP Kellie Sloane told The Telegraph she shared “the community’s frustration and anger” over the beach’s prolonged closure, and would be lobbying the state government to open up swimming access this summer even if the work is not complete.
“It is unacceptable that what was supposed to be an 18-month project has blown out to three summers,” Ms Sloane said.
“I am fighting for works to be fast-tracked and I am determined to swim at Nielsen Park with locals this summer.”
The previous seawall, 160 metres long, was severely damaged by flooding in 2016, prompting the decision to tear up the concrete barrier and install a new structure that could better withstand regular rough conditions.
The earliest concrete bleachers would be put down by February 2024, a spokesman for NPWS said, but could face further delays due to factors like bad weather. The full installation is expected to be complete by April.
Ms Sloane said she would be “a thorn in [the state government’s] side until I see answers”.
One disgruntled local couple, Marcus and Gabi Kosman, told The Telegraph they’d hoped to hold their daughter’s first birthday at the beach.
“I can’t believe another summer will pass and we can’t take our baby down there for a play and swim,” Mr Kosman, who has been going to the beach for over 30 years, said.
“We were planning on having her first birthday down there in the park.
“But as her birthday is in November, that unfortunately won’t happen now.”